Jona Xiao
Actress. Asian.(foot)Baller
The Actress...
First-generation Chinese-American actress Jona Xiao has quickly become “one to watch” in the entertainment industry, portraying dynamic characters in some of the most talked-about projects in film and television. Jona has solidified her ability to bring characters to life in the comedic world, while seamlessly tapping into her range in dramatic projects.
She is currently working on a confidential major studio TV show.
In 2021 Jona can be seen as Daisy in Starz’s critically acclaimed crime drama series, “Hightown". Executive Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the series follows one woman's journey (Monica Raymund) to sobriety, intertwined with an unfolding murder investigation. An integral addition to the storyline, Jona shines as the bubbly yet edgy Daisy, opposite Luis Guzman. Daisy proves she can handle herself in any situation. “Hightown” is slated to debut season 2 on October 17, 2021.
In March 2021, Jona lent a powerful voice as Young Namaari in Disney's fantasy action-adventure film "Raya and the Last Dragon." Jona also recently starred as supervillain Rainbow Raider in The CW's "The Flash," and starred as Shen May in Netflix's "Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness."
Her previous film credits include Lijuan in "Gifted" for Fox Searchlight Pictures opposite Chris Evans, Jenny Slate, and Octavia Spencer, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (Columbia Pictures) and "Keeping Up with the Joneses" (Twentieth Century Fox) alongisde Gal Gadot, Zach Galifianakis, and Jon Hamm.
Over the years, Jona has appeared on top TV series including recurring on BET's hit series "Being Mary Jane" as Natalie Wu, opposite Gabrielle Union. She also recurred on AMC's critically acclaimed series "Halt and Catch Fire" as Julie Yang, the first female coder on Team Mutiny. Other TV credits include: "Bones," "Trophy Wife," and "Rizzoli & Isles."
The WOMAN...
Although "Made in China," this feisty actress grew up in the US and came from humble beginnings. For the first half of her childhood, she and her family lived in a trailer park in Ithaca, NY before moving to St. Louis, Missouri.
She became an advocate for social justice at a young age and is passionate about developing children into leaders. She's partnered with the Boys & Girls Club as well as Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles. In all her work, her mission is to inspire others to boldly pursue their dreams and achieve things they formerly thought was "impossible." She founded Career ACTivate, a company that has helped thousands of actors get great reps and book more work.
The (foot)balLer...
Beyond her passion for acting, Jona loves sports and was an Academic All-American and All-State lacrosse player in high school. When not on set, Jona taps back into her love of sports, bringing her known competitive edge. She was a quarterback on the National Team USA women's prelim roster and also a dodgeball player. She also enjoys playing board games and hosting game nights. If there's a game, she's game.